Tiffany Stembridge-Taylor, a math teacher at Washington High School-Early College, was shocked and overwhelmed with joy as she was presented with a check for $7,500 from Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education (AFAEE).
This award includes funding for a professional development opportunity, a personal stipend, and funding for a school project. Mrs. Stembridge-Taylor’s project focuses on integrating technology into mathematics.
According to Mrs. Stembridge-Taylor, in today’s digitized society, one has to be in the know and at the forefront of technology. She hopes to increase student engagement and interests by using her funding to purchase technology (touchpads, iPods, and digital video) to teach various disciplines of mathematics.
“My goal is to increase student engagement and achievement through the use of technology while allowing them easier access to real world data collection,” Mrs. Stembridge-Taylor explains.
Mrs. Stembridge-Taylor is a native of Atlanta and a product of Atlanta Public Schools. She has eleven years of experience in education and has served students on the Booker T. Washington High School campus for the past ten years. Her traditional journey in education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree, Master of Science Degree, and Specialist Degree from the University of West Georgia, Georgia State University, and Lincoln Memorial University, respectively.
She has received many accolades through the years including Washington High School Teacher of the Year, Atlanta Public Schools High School Teacher of the Year Semi Finalist, Project GRAD Exemplary Teacher, and she has been recognized for showing significant student gains in mathematics. Mrs. Stembridge-Taylor has also served in several capacities during her tenure including advisor for National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Future Educators Association; Mathematics Department Chairperson, Grade Level Team Leader, New Teacher Mentor, Leadership Team Member, Ethics Advocate, and Student Support Team Chairperson. She has an unwavering love for education is ready to work hard for her students so that they will be prepared for college and careers, once they graduate high school.